Arc 1; Chapter 17 : Fragments of Upcoming Disaster

As the train jerked forward, Ayaan settled into his seat by the window, his gaze fixed on the passing platform. The rhythmic clatter of wheels against the tracks had just begun when Dev let out an exaggerated sigh, slumping into his seat beside him.

"Eight hours of nothing but staring at fields and trees," Dev groaned dramatically. "Tell me, Ayaan, how the hell are we supposed to survive this boredom?" He nudged Ayaan with his elbow, smirking. "Unless you have some secret plan to entertain me?"

Ayaan glanced at Dev with a blank expression before casually replying, “We could count the number of poles passing by… or maybe calculate the average speed of the train using the Doppler effect.”

Dev blinked at him, momentarily speechless. Then, with an exaggerated groan, he threw his head back. “I regret asking. I really do.”

Dev sighed dramatically before leaning back against his seat. “Wake me up when we reach,” he mumbled, closing his eyes.

Ayaan smirked, shaking his head as he turned to the window. The rhythmic motion of the train and the distant chatter of passengers filled the compartment. Within minutes, Dev’s steady breathing signaled he was already asleep.

Ayaan leaned against the window, staring at the endless tracks ahead. To escape the boredom, he tried recalling every moment from the training grounds. Yet, the only thing that surfaced clearly was the award ceremony—standing before the president, receiving the honor. The rest felt like a blur.

Then, his mind drifted to something more vivid. The depth of "Message to the Moon," the song Isha and Rohit had performed. Every note, every word lingered in his memory. He barely realized the train had come to a halt at NSRM City. Just as he started humming the song in his mind, a soft, melodious voice hummed the same tune from outside the window.

His heart skipped a beat. The voice carried a warmth that tugged at something deep within him. Without thinking, he rushed toward the train’s entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the singer. But as he reached the gate and scanned the platform, there was no one.

The train jolted forward, beginning to move again. Ayaan remained frozen at the door, staring at the empty platform, a strange feeling settling in his chest.

Ayaan let out a quiet sigh and returned to his seat. As he settled in, he glanced out the window, watching as the train left NSRM City behind. The landscape slowly changed—dense forests stretched far and wide, with towering mountains in the distance.

But something felt off. His gaze sharpened as he noticed a peculiar construction amidst the greenery. Oval-shaped structures, covered by towering frameworks, stood eerily in the distance. He couldn't recall seeing them before.

Just then, the Ticket Collector (TC) arrived, breaking his train of thought.

“Tickets, please.”

Ayaan handed over his and Dev’s tickets, then casually asked, “That construction we just passed… what’s it for?”

The TC glanced out the window and shrugged. “I don’t have much information, but from what I know, it’s related to Vikranmnu Gaming Company. They’re planning to launch a game—hmm, a VR game, I think. Should be out in two years.”

Ayaan nodded. “I see.”

As the TC moved on, Ayaan leaned back in his seat, his fingers tapping lightly on his knee. He once again started humming "Message to Moon" in his mind, the mysterious hum from earlier still lingering in his thoughts.

Ayaan let out a slow breath, trying to relax. He closed his eyes, allowing the soft hum of the train to lull him into a light rest.

But then—

A metallic sound echoed in his ears. Low, almost distant, yet unmistakable. His heart skipped a beat as the pitch of that sound matched his heartbeat, creating a dreadful resonance. A suffocating tightness gripped his chest, his body shivering involuntarily.

His eyes snapped open.

The train wasn’t moving. No—it had stopped. But something was wrong. It wasn’t just stillness; it felt like time itself had frozen.

In front of him, a suffocating crimson glow radiated in the darkness. And standing amidst it—

A man.

His figure was engulfed in a bloody aura, a short axe resting in his grip, radiating the same terrifying crimson energy. The man’s face was shadowed, but his intent was clear. He raised his weapon—

And swung it straight for Ayaan’s neck.

Ayaan’s heartbeat pounded violently, his breath ragged as he tried to move—but his body wouldn’t respond.

And then—

A melody.

A soft, enchanting hum pierced through the suffocating dread. The same voice he had heard earlier.

In a blink—his senses returned.

The crimson figure was gone. The train was moving again. His body jerked back to reality, his breath uneven. Without a second thought, he immediately pushed himself up and ran.

He had to find the owner of that voice.

His feet carried him through the narrow aisle, his eyes scanning frantically. And then—he saw them.

A small group of women gathered near the entrance of the next compartment, all clapping and cheering.

"Anaya! The top singer!" someone called out.

Ayaan’s breath hitched.

In the midst of the crowd, standing tall with a poised elegance, was a woman.

At that moment, as if drawn by an unseen force—

Their eyes met.

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